Recently, a new Stanford University study finds that snow leopards have exceedingly low genetic diversity due to ‘Historic Inbreeding’, putting their long-term survival at risk amid climate change.

• Analysis of 41 genomes revealed persistently low genetic diversity due to long-term small, stable populations.

What is Genetic Diversity?

Definition: Genetic diversity refers to the total variety of genes within a species’ population, determining its ability to adapt to changing environments and resist diseases.

• Impact of Low Genetic Diversity:
• • Reduces adaptability to environmental stressors such as climate change and habitat loss.
  • Increases susceptibility to inherited disorders and disease.
  • Limits evolutionary potential, threatening species survival over generations.

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About Snow Leopard (Panthera uncia)

• The snow leopard, often called the “ghost of the mountains,” is a large feline native to the high-altitude regions of Central and South Asia, renowned for its elusive nature.
• Habitat: It inhabits rugged terrains of the Himalayas, Karakoram, Pamir, and Tian Shan ranges, typically between 3,000–5,500 metres altitude.
• Distribution: Found across 12 countries, including India, Bhutan,Nepal, China, Mongolia, and Afghanistan.
  • The global population is estimated at around 8,000 individuals.
• Conservation Status
  • Listed as “Vulnerable” on the IUCN Red List.
  • Wildlife (Protection) Act of 1972 (Schedule I)
  • Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) (Appendix I)
• Protection  in India:
  • Hemis National Park (Ladakh)
  • Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary (Himachal Pradesh),
  • Gangotri National Park (Uttarakhand),
  • Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve (Uttarakhand)
  • Khangchendzonga National Park (Sikkim).
• Conservation initiatives : Project Snow Leopard (2009) under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC).

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